my little one is 11 months and he is very fussy in eating now days which was not the case when he started solids. now he has just one or 2 spoons and he doesn't want to eat more. we try to give him more which he eats but then he doesn't eat. his upper teeth is coming. he is active and cheerful.
what should I do and how can I feed my baby?
is this a stage that will pass too?

Question

my little one is 11 months and he is very fussy in eating now days which was not the case when he started solids. now he has just one or 2 spoons and he doesn't want to eat more. we try to give him more which he eats but then he doesn't eat. his upper teeth is coming. he is active and cheerful. 
what should I do and how can I feed my baby?
is this a stage that will pass too?

Accepted Answer

It's common for babies around 11 months old to become more selective or fussy about eating as they go through various developmental stages, including teething. Here are some tips to help navigate this phase and ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need:

### 1. Acknowledge Changes in Eating Patterns:
- Understand that changes in eating patterns, including decreased appetite, can be normal during developmental stages such as teething.
- Pay attention to your baby's cues and appetite fluctuations while remaining patient and responsive to their needs.

### 2. Offer a Variety of Foods:
- Continue offering a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.
- Be flexible and open to experimenting with different textures, flavors, and food combinations to keep meals interesting.

### 3. Be Mindful of Teething Discomfort:
- Recognize that teething can cause gum soreness and discomfort, which may affect your baby's desire to eat.
- Offer chilled teething toys or a clean, cold washcloth for your baby to chew on to help soothe teething discomfort before mealtime.

### 4. Offer Soft and Easy-to-Eat Foods:
- Provide soft foods that are gentle on your baby's gums during teething, such as mashed fruits, cooked vegetables, yogurt, and finely chopped or shredded proteins.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods that may exacerbate discomfort or be difficult for your baby to chew.

### 5. Encourage Self-Feeding:
- Allow your baby to explore and self-feed with finger foods, as this can help promote independence and engagement during meals.
- Offer age-appropriate finger foods that are easy for your baby to grasp and eat independently, such as small pieces of banana, avocado, cooked pasta, or soft bread.

### 6. Maintain a Positive Mealtime Environment:
- Create a relaxed and enjoyable mealtime environment free from distractions and pressure.
- Sit with your baby during meals and model healthy eating behaviors by enjoying meals together as a family.

### 7. Offer Small, Frequent Meals and Snacks:
- Provide small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition, even if their appetite is inconsistent.
- Offer nutrient-dense snacks such as sliced fruits, cheese cubes, or whole-grain crackers between meals to help meet your baby's nutritional needs.

### 8. Follow Your Baby's Lead:
- Respect your baby's hunger and fullness cues and avoid forcing or pressuring them to eat.
- Offer meals and snacks at regular intervals, but allow your baby to determine how much they want to eat.

### 9. Stay Patient and Supportive:
- Be patient and supportive during this phase, knowing that it is likely temporary and part of your baby's development.
- Focus on providing a positive and nurturing feeding experience for your baby, regardless of how much they eat at each meal.

### 10. Consult a Pediatrician if Concerned:
- If you have persistent concerns about your baby's eating habits, growth, or nutritional intake, consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric feeding specialist for guidance and support.

### Conclusion:
It's common for babies around 11 months old to become more selective or fussy about eating, especially during developmental stages such as teething. By offering a variety of nutritious foods, being mindful of teething discomfort, and maintaining a positive mealtime environment, you can help support your baby's nutritional needs and navigate this phase with patience and understanding. If you have persistent concerns or your baby's eating habits significantly impact their growth or well-being, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.